​Bruce County municipalities offer relief centres during harsh weather

Residents in Bruce County know about extreme weather conditions.

Temperatures can plunge below minus-30 degrees Celsius in the winter, often with biting wind chill and blinding snow that closes roads. In the summer, temperatures can soar past 30 degrees Celsius, with humidity pushing the discomfort even higher.

When the weather turns severe, it’s not just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous. Power outages may happen during these events, leaving residents without heating, cooling or a way to stay connected.

That’s why municipalities across Bruce County are prepared to activate cooling and warming centres — safe, short-term spaces where residents can find relief from extreme temperatures.

These centres offer:
 

• Temporary relief from heat or cold
• A place to charge cell phones and stay connected

Each municipality is responsible for deciding whether to open a centre based on local needs and circumstances. Once a decision is made, the municipality will communicate directly with residents through its established channels, such as websites, social media, or community newsletters, to provide updates and relevant information.

In Kincardine, relief centres include the Kincardine and Tiverton Libraries and the Davidson Centre. In Huron-Kinloss, the centres are located at the Ripley and Lucknow Libraries, the Lucknow Sports Centre and the Ripley-Huron Community Centre.

Centres are opened, guided by extreme cold or heat warnings issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Grey Bruce Public Health:
 

• Cold warning: When temperatures or wind chill reach minus-30 degrees Celsius or lower for at least two hours.
• Heat warning: When two or more consecutive days hit 31 degrees Celsius-plus during the day and 20 degrees Celsius-plus at night, or when humidex values reach 40 or higher.

To find a designated cooling or warming centre near you and to check for hours of availability, call or text 211, or visit 211ontario.ca.

Please note: These centres operate during regular hours and are not meant for overnight stays or extended shelter. There are limitations to the amenities from what the facility normally provides.

“Establishing warming or cooling centres is one way a municipality can support residents impacted by an extreme weather event and need some relief,” says Ray Lux, Bruce County’s emergency management co-ordinator. “In the event of an extended power outage, the centres can also act as a charging facility, helping people to remain connected.”